The deadly attacks in Paris by gunmen and suicide bombers who hit a concert hall, a major stadium, restaurants and bars, almost simultaneously - leaving at least 129 people dead and hundreds wounded has shocked the world. The attacks are a big test to governments and their anti-terrorism strategy.

Terrorism is a threat to our collective safety, security and development. Africa should not see this as a distant phenomenon and be complacent.  Already, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, South Sudan, DRC Congo, Mali and Kenya have tasted its adverse effects.

The war against terror needs solidarity and decisive action from every citizen. It is a blight to sacrifice the future of a country on the altar of money, populism, political mileage, religion and short term gains. The African Executive sends its condolences to nationalities whose friends, parents, spouses, neighbors and kins were killed in cold blood and wishes the injured speedy recovery.